The Valdez Star - Serving Prince William Sound and Copper River Basin

News Briefs

Krystal Banks of the Valdez Animal Shelter secures the dog kennels Friday after cleaning the area.

Clum sentenced in Tatitlek fraud case

(AP) The former president of the Native Village of Tatitlek (tuh-TIT'-lek) has been sentenced to 18 months in prison.

The U.S. Attorney's Office says 46-year-old Lori ``Sue'' Clum of Anchorage, also known as Sue Johnson, was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Court Judge Sharon Gleason.

Clum was elected in October 2007 and voted out six months later. She refused to accept the results and maintained control of tribal bank accounts for another year.

Prosecutors say she spent $112,000 in tribe funds for gambling, personal debts, and a four-wheeler.

She pleaded guilty Oct. 2 to misapplication of tribal funds.

Fostering an alternative to adoption

Valdez Star photo

Puppies up for adoption at the Valdez Animal Shelter. Officials say the mother could have been spayed for free using funds provided by the Valdez Friends of the Animal Shelter.

The Valdez Animal Shelter is looking to rehome – or even move to foster care – a large number of dogs and cats currently calling the facility home.

While adopting a new pet may not be feasible for some, the shelter does offer an alternative with its foster care program. Homeless pets in foster care receive free veterinary services, food and other pet essentials, removing a layer of obligation from the commitment needed to care for the animals. While specialized care and experience are needed for some types of animals – dogs that need special socialization is a good example, animals without special needs can also be fostered, offering those with just a warm home temporary pet companionship without a long-term commitment.

Call the Valdez Animal Shelter at 835-2286 for more information or to learn about other volunteer opportunities.